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Poetic Voices Without Borders

Women and Children First, 5233 N. Clark St., presents "Poetic Voices Without Borders," a group reading from the poetry anthology of the same name. With work in English, French and Spanish, the reading features contributors Nina Corwin, Maureen Flannery, Gregg Shapiro and Gerard Wozek. The reading starts at 7:30pm. Call 773-769-9299 for more information.

Chicago Noir Reading @ Barbara's

Edited by Neal Pollack, Chicago Noir is an ode to Chicago's "rough-and-tumble tough-guy" reputation that's be replaced by soft-focus views of the lake and downtown buildings. Pollack will be at Barbara's Bookstore UIC, 1218 S. Halsted, tonight along with Kevin Guilfoile and other contributors to the book for a look into a city "populated with killers and jazzmen, winos and barroom philosophers, junkies and scalpers." Meet up with them at 7:30pm to do it up old-school Chicago style. Call 312-413-2665 for more information.

Angel Melendez at the Old Town School

As part of the Old Town School of Folk Music’s 10th annual celebration of Latin sound, La Pena, Angel Melendez and the 911 Mambo Orchestra are performing, starting at 8:30 PM. The Old Town School requests a $5 donation. 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. For more information, call 773-728-6000 or check the website.

Reconstruction Room @ Black Rock

Because August is just that long, there's a special bonus Wednesday just ripe for Reconstruction Room's literary picking. Reconstruction Room is a reading series that features a different unique theme each show, scheduled performers (poets, writers, musicians, actors, comedians, puppeteers, artists, etc.) and audience participation. This week's theme is "Time & a Half", an evening of music, image, and text, starring neil haydon and andra rexilius & olivia cronk as the puritan plainstyle. (They've got sexy paper dolls you can dress in an assortment of pilgram-y styles to boot!) The Black Rock is a bar located in Roscoe Village at the corner of Damen and Addison. The goings get going at 8pm.

Chicago Improvisors Series @ Empty Bottle

Tonight at the Empty Bottle The Chicago Improvisers Series presents: Engines with Tim Daisy, Nate McBride and Dave Rempis. The Chicago Improvisers Series is pleased to welcome Engines for an extended CIS run. The group is fronted by Boston transplant Nate McBride, an accomplished and versatile bassist that has quickly become a pillar within the local free music community. McBride is accompanied by regarded locals Tim Daisy on drums and David Rempis on reeds. Each performance program will feature two sets of material. (9:30pm; $3)

"Bad Pants" Charity Golf Open

Indian Lakes Resort in Bloomingdale, IL is hosting their 8th Annual "Bad Pants" golf open. Golfers from all around the country come here to wear hideous golf pants in the name of raising money for the West Suburban Foundation for Disabled Iraqi War Veterans. The "Bad Pants" hall of fame shows each year's winner of the ugliest pants. The open starts at 9am and all are encouraged to play. For $110 you get 18 holes of golf, a gold cart, a "Bad Pants Open" hat and a barbecue lunch. Lunch, a good cause and ugly pants...could you want more? Call 630-330-2299 or email fridgedeb[at]msn[dot]com to register.

Chicago Poetry Block Party

Part of the 2005 Chicago Poetry Fest, the Chicago Poetry Block party is an "anything goes block party" featuring the readings of numerous local poets. Between Western and Artesian on Bloomingdale, in front of Woman Made Gallery, the free events is geared toward visitors of all ages. 2-7:30pm. Visit the website for a complete listing of participating poets.

Burlesque Finishing School Student Show

Join Michelle L'amour (Miss Exotic World 2005) and her burlesque students as they take the stage for the first time presenting their own striptease routines. These girls have worked very hard to present an entertaining evening of burlesque. Come check out Chicago's newest burlesque talent. The show, at the Lakeshore Theatre, starts at 8:30. Tickets $5 at the door.

Chicago Antique Market

Because the last Sunday of the month only happens...once a month, head out today to the Chicago Antique Market on Randolph between Ada & Ogden from 8am-4pm. The market is an indoor and outdoor European-style urban antique market located along the historic and distinctive Randolph Street Market District. Collectors, dealers, retail buyers, designers, domestic and international visitors, families and friends come together to celebrate, preserve, swap and shop treasures from the past. Fun and fabulous food and drink specialties abound! Come and dine al fresco against the backdrop of the beautiful Chicago skyline. For more information, contact: City Markets, Inc. 312-951-9939.

Serendipity Theatre Sampler @ The Hideout

Tonight at the Hideout, the Serendipity Theatre is running "The Sampler", a preview of the company's upcoming events, including their Second Story reading series. There will be readings from Courtney Shaughnessy, Ellen Fairey, Gerrit O’Neill, Megan Stielstra, and Steve Amick, as well as music from DJ White Russian, The Low Down Brass Band, and The Big Rock Show. Doors open at 7:30, and admission is $10. The Hideout is at 1354 W. Wabansia.

Yappy Hour

Tonight, from 3–5pm, the Anti-Cruelty Society will host a Yappy Hour with appetizers and drinks for you and your dog at the House of Blues Hotel. The cost is $40 per person and dog couple. For more information, please call Angie Washington at 312.923.2423 or email awashington{at}loewshotels.com. (Please, no aggressive dogs or dogs in heat. Dogs must be current on vaccinations & all dogs must remain on a leash.)

Bucktown Arts Fest

What started as a small gathering of local artists, the annual Bucktown Arts Fest now presents a large variety of art, including painting, sculpture, photography, music and more. It's a great way to check out what's happening in the Chicago art world without being badgered by that pesky "large-scale commercialism." The fest is located at Senior Citizen's Park, at Oakley and Lyndale, near the Western Blue Line stop. Hours are from 11am-7pm. (At the time of posting the official website wasn't working. Here's hoping it is now.)

Mordicai Gerstein @ AIC

Mordicai Gerstein, author and illustrator of Caldecott Award winner The Man Who Walked Between the Towers, stops at the Art Institute to partake in their Meet the Artist Series. The event will take place in the museum's Price Auditorium, located on the lower level near the exhibition Fantasy, Facts, and Furry Friends, of which Gerstein is a featured artist. Gerstein can be seen at 11am. The Art Institute is located at 111 S. Michigan Ave.; call 312-857-7161 for more information. This event is free with museum admission.

Cartography Opening @ Johnsonese Gallery

Johnsonese Gallery's new exhibition, "Cartography 101," opens tonight with a reception lasting from 6-8pm. The exhibition features 16 artists from across the U.S. and their map-inspired work. Not entirely geographical nor political, the artists use maps as a jumping off point to create everything from three-dimensional installations to sculpted fashions. The show will run through September 24. Johnsonese Gallery is located at 2149 W. Armitage Ave. Call 773-252-8750 for more information.

Chicago Poetry Squared

Part of the 2005 Chicago Poetry Fest, Chicago Poetry Squared is a free poetry reading staged outside Giddings Plaza on the 4700 block of N. Lincoln Ave. From 3-8pm you can listen to all sorts of poets read their work. Visit the website for a complete listing of participating poets.

ImprovOlympic 25 anniversary @ Chicago Theater

The I.O. Theater (originally named the ImprovOlympic, but unfortunately they had to change their name when the Olympics people complained) celebrates its 25th anniversary tonight with a show featuring many of the theater's famous alumni. Get a load of this list: Mike Myers, Amy Poehler, Rachel Dratch , Horatio Sanz, Seth Meyers, Andy Richter, Andy Dick, Neil Flynn, Adam McKay, Joel Murray, Ian Gomez.... "and a special surprise from Tina Fey". Improv fans will obviously want to get tickets for this. The show starts at 8:00 PM at the Chicago Theater (175 N. State Street); tickets are $25-75 and can be purchased at the Chicago Theater box office or, if you must, through Ticketmaster.

Re-Opening of Mies van der Rohe's Crown Center

This Saturday is the grand re-opening of the Ludwig Mies van der Rohe-designed Crown Hall on the campus of IIT. Restoration of the modernist masterpiece has been completed, and the campus is celebrating with an open house, as well as campus tours, readings, and live music from the M's. ArchitectureChicago Plus has the schedule of events here. If you're a fan of modern design, the IIT campus is truly worth a visit! The festivities run from 11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M, but the Crown Hall tours run on the hour, every hour. The M's perform at 4:30.

Apu trilogy @ Film Center

The Siskel Film Center presents a screening of Satyajit Ray's classic trilogy of films: Pather Panchali (1955); Aparajito (1956); and Apur Sansar (1959). Definitely a must-see for fans of classic films. The three films will be screened this weekend, and each one will be reshown at the beginning of next week; see the Film Center site for a complete schedule. Tickets are $9, $7 for students, $5 for Film Center members, and $4 for SAIC students. Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

Downtown Bridges Canoe Trip

Today, check out the bridges from a new angle on a Downtown Bridges Canoe Trip from 8am-4pm. Organized by Friends of the Chicago River. See Chicago's historic bridges as you paddle through the Loop and the South Branch. Pets and alcohol are not permitted. Experience required; paddlers should be able to control a canoe in windy and choppy conditions. Advance registration required. Fees are $40 for members, $50 for non-members. Call (312) 939-0490, ext.10.

The Furies @ LaSalle Bank Cinema

One of Anthony Mann's first Westerns, The Furies features Barbara Stanwyck and Walter Huston in a family feud spiced up with a dose of Greek tragedy. Also on the bill is Keno Bates, Liar, a 1915 silent Western short starring William S. Hart. At the LaSalle Bank Cinema, 4901 W. Irving Park Rd., at 8 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and children. Call 312-904-9442 for more information.

Sissy Butch Brothers Burlesque

Have you been waiting for the Sissy Butch Brothers to put on another show? It's finally here! This funny, smart and sexy burlesque show on August 27 at the Abbey. With guest stars including Satan's Angel and Lady Ace, plus a bevy of local acts, this is a must-see. The show starts at 9 p.m. and costs just $15.

Scary Lady Sarah's Birthday

Legendary DJ Scary Lady Sarah turns a year older tonight, and is celebrating with a very special edition of her monthly "Nocturna" dark
alternative dance club night. She'll be spinning goth,
industrial, dark indie, darkwave, new wave, ebm, deathrock, ethereal and shoegazer and giving away CDs and who knows what else. Upstairs at Bottom Lounge, 3206 N. Wilton, 9pm to 3am. $6 for 21+, $8 for 18-20.

Bucktown Arts Fest

What started as a small gathering of local artists, the annual Bucktown Arts Fest now presents a large variety of art, including painting, sculpture, photography, music and more. It's a great way to check out what's happening in the Chicago art world without being badgered by that pesky "large-scale commercialism." The fest is located at Senior Citizen's Park, at Oakley and Lyndale, near the Western Blue Line stop. Hours are from 11am-7pm. (At the time of posting the official website wasn't working. Here's hoping it is now.)

Andy Dick returns to ImprovOlympic

The I.O. Theater (originally named ImprovOlympic, but the name was changed when the Olympics people decided to squeeze the theater like a tube of toothpaste) presents Susan Messing doing a long-form improv show called "Messing with a Friend", in which she performs with a different guest performer each week. This week's guest is none other than I.O. alumnus Andy Dick, who's in town for the 25th anniversary of the theater tomorrow night; see tomorrow's Slowdown for details on that show. Tonight's show, sensibly titled "Messing with a Dick", happens at the Cabaret Theater at the I.O. (3541 N. Clark) at 9:00 PM. Tickets are $14. For reservations call (773) 880-0199.

Minutemen doc @ Film Center

We Jam Econo: The Story of the Minutemen is a new documentary about the legendary harcore band of the 1980s. We Jam Econo starts screening tonight at the Siskel Film Center, and runs at the Film Center through September 1. See the Film Center's site for a full schedule of showtimes. Tickets: $9, $7 for students, $5 for Film Center members, and $4 for SAIC students. Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

Tomas' Superfantabulous Variety Show

On August 26, come watch Tomas' Superfantabulous Variety Show at The Lakeshore Theater. Enjoy this magical evening featuring special guest stars Happy Dave, TJ Miller, Bob Rumba, burlesque ladies of The Lavender Cabaret and more! Show starts at 10:30 Tickets $10 at the door.

GB Get-Together

Gapers Block staffers invite you to join us tonight at the Inner Town Pub, 1935 W. Thomas, from 9pm to around midnight for our monthly GB Get-Together. The drinks are cheap, the atmosphere is odd and there's a beer garden. We will be taking over part of the beer garden as our territory -- watch for people in GB t-shirts. We'll have a few shirts and buttons for sale (at a discount from the site store, since we don't have to cover shipping) and we'll be passing out free stickers. Come on by!

Chicago House music doc @ Film Center

The 2004 documentary Unusual Suspects: One Upon A Time In Chicago House Music screens this evening at the Siskel Film Center.Unusual Suspects was directed by Chip Eberhardt (aka Chip E, "the Godfather of House Music") and gives a look into the origins of House, the role of the city of Chicago in that music scene, and some thoughts about the future of House. The film screens tonight 8:30 PM. Tickets: $9, $7 students, $5 Film Center members, and $4 SAIC students. Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

The Fake Fictions @ Hideout

Wicker Park/Ukranian Village pop band The Fake Fictions stops tonight at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia. Presented by the Wisconsin Pop Explosion, the show starts at 9:30pm and also features Madison bands The Super-Eights and Charlemagne.

Working Bikes Fundraiser for Tanzania

Tonight, from 5-8pm, you can listen to some jazz, enjoy the outdoor setting at Cafe Society and learn about Working Bike Cooperative Volunteer Danny Danger's Tanzanian efforts to help train Africans to build cargo bikes. Furthermore, the meeting will focus on how the bicycles help in developing countries. The fundraiser is free -- just buy some food or drink and enjoy Volunteer Stephan's whip cream desserts. Cafe Society is located at 1801 S. Indiana. Email workingbikes[at]yahoo[dot]com for more information.

Stromkern @ Bottom Lounge

Stromkern sounds like an interesting band: "fusing hip-hop vocals and ryhthms with classical compositions and post-industrial rock." They're playing upstairs at Bottom Lounge, 3206 N. Wilton, with PTI and DJ $#@&!. Doors open at 8pm, tickets are $10. 18 and over.

OPEN COURT at The Playground

Improv troupe International Stinger presents Open Court at The Playground Theater tonight at 10:30pm. Improvisers can come to the show and sign up to play on a brand-new, one-night-only team coached by veteran Chicago improvisers from The Playground, IO, and Second City. Those that don't want to play can watch as these improv pick-up teams put on their first and only show. $5 gets you in to watch or play. The Playground is located at 3209 N. Halsted.

Food and Film on the Rooftop

Part of Stirring Things Up in Chicago, the Food and Film on the Rooftop series features a different film every Thursday, through September 1, shown on the rooftop of the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph. The $15 admission covers the family-style picnic dinner catered by Fox & Obel. Each dinner will relate to the movie in some way. Reservations are required for the 7pm screenings; call 312-744-9350 to save your spot. Tonight's film is Pieces of April.

Valerie Mason-John @ Barbara's

Valerie Mason-John's Borrowed Body is a novelist's look into life in 70s and 80s England, growing up black, female and in foster homes. The author drew from her own expriences in the British social services system to create the novel's backdrop, undoubtedly lending the story a feel of authenticity. Mason-John reads tonight at Barbara's Bookstore UIC, 1218 S. Halsted, 7:30pm. Call 312-413-2665 for more information.

Outdoor Film Festival: Star Wars

The 6th annual Chicago Outdoor Film Festival concludes tonight at sunset with a screening of the first Star Wars movie (no word on whether it's the original version, or the enhanced version recently seen in theaters). The screening will be at Butler Field in Grant Park (Lake Shore Drive & Monroe), and admission is free. See the City of Chicago Website for a complete schedule of the festival, which runs every Tuesday night through August 23.

Bookslut reading @ Hopleaf

Bookslut, the literary Website, presents the latest in its series of local readings. The featured authors in tonight's reading: Maureen McHugh, author of such books as Mothers and Other Monsters and China Mountain Zhang; Jennifer Stevenson, author of Trash Sex Magic; and Charles Blackstone, author of The Week You Weren't Here. The reading starts tonight at 7:30 PM, and is free and open to the public. Hopleaf: 5148 N. Clark Street. (773) 334-9851.

Opening: Recent Tragic Events

Opening tonight at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division, "Recent Tragic Events" focuses on one day: September 12, 2001. On this day a bookstore clerk and an ad executive meet for a blind date and end up "exploring the very nature of chance, fate and free will." Written by Six Feet Under's Pultizer nominee

Celebration of American Artisan Cheese

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine partners with Slow Food Chicago for an education and social tasting evfent. Come celebrate the American Artisan Cheese, featuring the winners of the 2005 American Cheese Society competition. Yes...you read that correctly, and doesn't it sound wonderful? From 6-8pm you can taste some fine American cheese paired with American wines and learn more about the greatness of cheese from Pastoral's professional cheese and wine staff. Kendall College Culinary Auditorium, 900 N. North Branch St. RSVP by calling 312-643-0789 or emailing rsvp[at]pramanda[dot]com.

CAF Intersections Tour

Every Monday at 11am, you can catch the Chicago Architecture Foundation's tour titled Intersections. The CAF says: "Intersections define cities--streets, cultures, ideas and architecture come together and visually communicate cultural history and stimulate new ideas. Chicago's downtown intersections are at the core of the city's vibrancy. Intersections: An Introduction to Chicago Architecture is a two-hour walking tour that introduces architecture from 1871 to the present, and serves to create the context for Millennium Park. The tour explores five street intersections: Michigan and Adams, Dearborn and Adams, Clark and Randolph, State and Randolph and Michigan and Randolph; and five architectural styles: Chicago School, Beaux Arts, Modernism, Post Modernism, and Deconstructionist. Different combinations of architectural styles, building ages, urban space uses from commercial to governmental to cultural, and varied economic, ethnic, religious and racial groups integrate to tell a city story." The tour lasts two hours, and costs $12 for non-members, $9 for students/seniors, and is free for CAF members. Meet at the ArchiCenter Shop, 224 S. Michigan Avenue in the Santa Fe Building.

The Hysterical Women Reunion Show

Known as "the leading ladies of lesbian comedy," the Hysterical Women are reuniting for one show tonight at Star Gaze, 5419 N. Clark. Founded in 1998, the group has made appearances at Pride festivals as well as colleges and women's gatherings. It's a $5 cover for the 8pm show. Call 773-561-7363 for more information. (The website doesn't seem to be working at the moment, but maybe it'll be up by the time you view this.)

Last Day Party @ Foundation Gallery

Foundation Gallery is moving to Los Angeles and this is their final day in their Chicago space. Come help them celebrate the move and say goodbye to the city while checking out the art in their sale room. There will also be supplies, furniture and all kinds of things you can pay money to take off their hands. Join them from 1-5pm, take a peek at their final exhibit - the You Are I Am Postcards, and have some cake and booze. Or just come for the cake and booze. Call 312-860-0740 for more information, 700 N. Carpenter St.

Chicago House music doc @ Film Center

The 2004 documentary Unusual Suspects: One Upon A Time In Chicago House Music screens this evening at the Siskel Film Center.Unusual Suspects was directed by Chip Eberhardt (aka Chip E, "the Godfather of House Music") and gives a look into the origins of House, the role of the city of Chicago in that music scene, and some thoughts about the future of House. The film screens tonight at 5:00 PM, and will be screened again on Thursday, August 25th, at 8:30 PM. Tickets: $9, $7 students, $5 Film Center members, and $4 SAIC students. Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

Chicago Air & Water Show

Cue "Rock Me Like a Hurricane", cause this weekend brings back the Air and Water Show to Chicago's lakefront. Be warned: More than two million spectators will converge on the lakefront to enjoy the show from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach serving as the heart of event festivities. The oldest and largest FREE show of its kind in the United States will present performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights as this year’s headliners. The water show begins at 9am and air show runs from 11am until 4pm both days. For more information, check out the City of Chicago site.

Eve's Parlor Burlesque @ The Note

Eve's Parlor puts on a "Bad Girl Rock Revue" tonight at The Note, 1565 N. Milwaukee. In addition to the dancing girls, the night includes performances by Flaming X and Jesus & The Devil, poetry, comedy, singers, DJs and a multimedia exhibit. Doors open at 8pm, show starts at 9pm and runs till 4am. Tickets are $8, 21 and over.

Vulgar Boatmen @ FitzGerald's

Some of us here on the staff like boatmen. Vulgar ones, too. Or maybe we just like the idea of a band called the Vulgar Boatmen, who will play tonight in Berwyn at FitzGerald's, 6615 Roosevelt Rd. Formed by a University of Florida professor, the band is "inspired by the folk-rock revival of nearby Georgia," and their style has been described as heralding "straigtht from Buddy Holly and the Everly Brothers." Blues/country swing band Silverman will open. $8, 9:30pm, and you can purchase your tickets at the club or through Ticketmaster.

Andersonville Bike Pub Tour

The Andersonville Draught Beer Preservation Society -- a cause whose time has definitely come -- is offering a bicycle tour of four neighborhood pubs. Starting at 8pm, the tour will meet at Carola's Hansa Clipper, 4659 N. Lincoln, and go through The Edgewater Lounge, Leadway Bar and Gallery, and Fireside Restaurant and Lounge. For more information, email avillebikebrew[at]yahoo[dot]com.

NARAL Discusses Supreme Court Appointment

If Sandra Day O'Connor's retirement gives you pause and you're more concerned than ever with the fate of Roe v. Wade, it may be worth your while to stop by the Lincoln Restaurant tonight and participate in NARAL Pro-Choice America's discussion of the subject. The talk is hosted by the College of Complexes and takes place from 8-10pm. Email bulisano[at]yahoo[dot]com for more information. Participation costs $3, plus a $5 minimum purchase fee for the restaurant. The Lincoln is located at 4008 N. Lincoln Ave.

Everfine Music Festival

Coming down from recent two-day music festivals like Intonation and Lollapalooza can be hard, so if you're still in need for a cheap music fest buzz, head out to Northerly Island today for the Feeling Better than Everfine Music Festival. Featuring "up and coming under the radar bands" from around the country, the Everfine festival is a pretty good deal at just under $30 for a day of music. The lineup includes: O.A.R. (Rockville, MD), Pepper (Kailua Kona, HI), Citizen Cope (Memphis, TN), Michael Tolcher (Atlanta, GA), The Southland (Los Angeles, CA), State Radio (Cambridge, MA), Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers (Northampton, MA), Ludo (St. Louis, MO), As Fast As (Portland, ME), Small Town Workers (Charlottesville, VA) and Alternate Routes (Bridgeport, CT). Tickets are $29.50 in advance and day of show, all ages, general admission. Doors open at 1 pm, music starts at 1:30 pm.

Chicago Air & Water Show

Cue "Rock Me Like a Hurricane", cause this weekend brings back the Air and Water Show to Chicago's lakefront. Be warned: More than two million spectators will converge on the lakefront to enjoy the show from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach serving as the heart of event festivities. The oldest and largest FREE show of its kind in the United States will present performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights as this year’s headliners. The water show begins at 9am and air show runs from 11am until 4pm both days. For more information, check out the City of Chicago site.

Uptown Community Portrait 2005

Live in Uptown? Then you should head down to the Uptown Theatre, 4816 N. Broadway, today at 11:30am to participate in the "Uptown Community Portrait." Organizers are looking for as many residents as possible to appear in the photo, which commemorates the 80th anniversary of the opening of the theater. The event is free; more info here.

The evening will be hosted by Katherine Hodges (Writer whose projects include "Noncompliant" and "City of Destiny"). Free mini cocktails (with Shag of "Shag's Little Thing") and desserts! Readings start at 7:30 pm and Quimby's Bookstore is located at 1854 W. North Ave. (773/342-0910). This event is Free.

ReThink ReCycle ReDesign Exhibition

The Chicago American Institute of Architects will exhibit the final phase of the reThink reDesign reCycle design competition on Daley Plaza. Come out to see 25 prototypes for a new public recycling receptacle for Chicago's neighborhoods. At noon, Mayor Daley will deliver the exhibition keynote address, the public can vote their favorite concepts for the "People's Choice Award", there will be informational booths on Chicago's “Live Green” campaign, and live music will be provided by the Middle West Pollywogs. The exhibition will be up from 10am to 8pm.

Star and Garter Burlesque

On August 19, you’ll have more than two thumbs up as “Star and Garter” brings you “At The Movies,” a tribute to all things silver screen. See Miss Exotic World 2005, Michelle L’amour – The Ass That Goes POW! – and her fabulous Sugarbabies as they take it off to the sounds of Austin Powers, Rocky and Star Wars. All new striptease solos and magical variety acts. The show is at Subterranean and doors at 9:30 show @ 10pm. Only $8!

The Fest for Beatles Fans

The 29th annual Fest for Beatles Fans starts today, and runs through Sunday the 14th at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare (9300 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Rosemont). Among the luminaries attending the fest will be Denny Laine (you know... from Wings) and Laurence Juber (you know... from Wings). Okay, I'm sure there will be non-Wings attendees, so if you're a Beatles fan you should go check it out. See the Fest site for a full schedule, information on tickets, and everything else you could possibly need to know.

Grand Opening @ Swim Café

The website's launched, a crew of regulars has been established, and so it's time. West Town's newly opened Swim Café will do the Grand Opening Party thing this Friday. The coffee will be hot (or iced), the cafe crowded, and co-owner Karen will present her best batch of mini-chocolate-chip-banana-muffins to date. See you @ 6pm, 1357 W. Chicago Ave. 312-492-8600

Henrik Ibsen @ Neo-Futurarium

In preparation for taking the show to the New York Fringe Festival, the Neo-Futurist theater company presents a special one-night-only performance of their wonderful play The Last Two Minutes of the Complete Works of Henrik Ibsen. Even if you don't know Henrik Ibsen from Henry Gibson, you'll love the twists and turns the cast puts Ibsen's words through, in an attempt to make it all the way through Ibsen's canon. Plus, cast member Steve Walker has possibly the funniest death scene that's ever been seen in an Ibsen play. (You'll know it when you see it.) The show is tonight at 8:00 PM at the Neo-Futurarium (5153 N. Ashland). Tickets are $15, or pay-what-you-can. For reservations, call the Neo-Futurist Hotline at (773) 275-5255, or see the Neo-Futurist site for buying tickets online.

Chicago Underground Film Festival opening night

This year's Chicago Underground Film Festival kicks off tonight with a screening of the movie Firecracker at the Music Box Theatre at 7:30 PM. The festival continues for the next week, and features a whole mess of great films that you probably won't see anywhere. See the CUFF site for a full schedule and to purchase tickets (tickets can also be purchased by calling Ticketweb at (866) 468-3401). Music Box: 3733 N. Southport. (773) 871-6604.

Charles Blackstone @ Barbara's

Local author Charles Blackstone reads from his novel, The Week You Weren't Here, at Barbara's Bookstore UIC, 1218 S. Halsted. The novel is a portrait of a young writer who's nearing the end of his days as an undergraduate and embarking on his search for love. The reading begins at 7:30pm. Call 312-413-2665 for more information.

Wine & Dine

Join In Fine Spirits and The Wooden Spoon at a Wine & Dine - BBQ Garden Party on Thursday, August 18th at 6:30 p.m. Class participants will enjoy a variety of appetizers complemented by wines. The menu will include: Thinly sliced flank steak served on mini rolls with spicy mayo, butterfly shrimp spiedini with chili and raspberry dip, yakitori chicken, lamb tikka on a skewer, grilled vegetable and brie stuffed quesadillas, grilled Monte Cristo sandwiches, grilled fruit and condiments. Cost is $65, seats are limited, sign-up by calling the Wooden Spoon, located at 5047 N. Clark, Chicago at (773) 293-3190. Or for more information, you can also call In Fine Spirits located at 5418 N. Clark, Chicago at (773) 506-WINE (9463).

Food and Film on the Rooftop

Part of Stirring Things Up in Chicago, the Food and Film on the Rooftop series features a different film every Thursday, through September 1, shown on the rooftop of the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph. The $15 admission covers the family-style picnic dinner catered by Fox & Obel. Each dinner will relate to the movie in some way. Reservations are required for the 7pm screenings; call 312-744-9350 to save your spot. Tonight's film is Mostly Martha.

Rec Room Goes Pro

In case you missed SAIC MFAW alumni Meghan Austin and Shannon Mullally reading last week from their co-authored prize-winning novel Love Block @ Quimby's, fear not. This Wednesday Austin and Mullally return to the reading series that gave them a start: Rec Room @ Black Rock. This Wednesday's Rec Room event is Goin' Pro, a group poetry reading curated by Vida Cross. Come listen to work by regulars Heather Cramon, Kathy Regina, T.V. Masih and organizer/co-founder Della Watson. They'll read poetry created and inspired by Rec Room's July 16 Writing Workshop. Mullally and Austin's appearance will certainly sweeten the Goin' Pro theme. They are the first Rec Roomers to have published a book and to win a major contest. FREE! Wednesday, August 17th, 2005, Black Rock Bar, Damen and Addison @ 8 p.m. (Related: GB on this year's 3-day-novel contest)

CPR Jazz Night on the Terrace

Tonight Chicago Public Radio hosts their annual night of live jazz at Navy Pier from 8-11pm. The public is encourged to attend "Jazz Night on the Terrace," featuring the John Smillie Trio and pianist Dan Trudell. Appetizers, desserts and drinks will be served, compliments of Whole Foods. Tickets are $20 for CPR members, $25 for non-members. Buy them online or call 312-948-4855.

Outdoor Film Festival: The Hustler

The 6th annual Chicago Outdoor Film Festival continues tonight at sunset with a screening of the Paul Newman film The Hustler. The screening will be at Butler Field in Grant Park (Lake Shore Drive & Monroe), and admission is free. See the City of Chicago Website for a complete schedule of the festival, which runs every Tuesday night through August 23.

"The Cutting Edge" @ Gerber/Hart Library

Tonight marks the kick-off of a series of talks by local graduate and post-doc students of queer history and culture at the Gerber/Hart Library. The event will be introduced by John D'Emilio of the University of Illinois at Chicago and will feature a discussion by Margo Miller of her paper "Identity and Community in Travel Magazines: What Makes Tourism Gay?." The program starts at 7pm and is free; the library is located at 1127 W. Granville. More information available at the G/H website.

CAF Marshal Field's on State Tour

While it's still called Marshall Field's, why not head out on a Chicago Architecture Foundation tour of the famous building? The Marshal Field's on State tour starts at 12:15pm and lasts 45 minutes (perfect for lunchtime in the Loop). The tour traces the construction, development, and renovation of this State Street landmark. Highlights include the century-old great clock, the Tiffany dome, the north light well, the Walnut Room, Trend House, and Charley’s Door. Tickets are $5 for non-members or free for CAF members and no reservations are needed. Just meet at Marshall Field’s, inside at 28 E. Washington (near Wabash) Entrance #6.

McSweeney's Reading @ Quimby's

McSweeney’s contributors Paul La Farge, Salvador Plascencia, and Adam Levin will be reading at Quimby’s Books tonight at 7pm. La Farge’s last novel, Haussman, or the Distinction, was a New York Times notabale book; Plascencia’s debut novel, The People of Paper, is a fabulist immigration story featuring a baby Nostradamus and Rita Hayworth. This event also supports the release of McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern Issue 16, a collection of short stories that includes… a comb. Quimby’s is located at 1854 W. North Ave. Call 773-342-0910 for more information.

MONDO @ Darkroom

A MONDO show defies description. It's art. But many different kinds – visual art, theatre, performance, music – all together at once. In no particular order. So if you've seen one show, you still have no idea what to expect next time. This particular incarnation of MONDO will be an Operatic/Carnivalesque fashion show, with vintage opera and circus costumes. Plus performances by People Will Blink, Glass and rotating vinyl by deejays Onefiftyone, C-Mass and John Eldhart.

Then they have the nerve to promise more surprises. Can your heart take it? Go see this Sunday, August 14th, at 9pm at the Darkroom, 2210 West Chicago Ave. $5 cover. More info at Chicago Mondo site.

Windy City Rollers' Birthday Bash Bout

The Windy City Rollers roller derby league celebrates its first anniversary with a couple rounds of mayhem tonight at the Congress Theater, 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave. It also happens to be the 70th anniversary of the birth of roller derby right here in Chicago, and several Roller Derby Hall of Fame skaters will be making appearances. Doors open at 5pm, matches start at 6pm. Tickets are $10. More info here.

Ginza Holiday Festival

The Midwest Buddhist Temple is proud to sponsor the 50th Annual Ginza Holiday celebration in Chicago from 11:30 am-9:30pm (starting at 5:30pm on Friday) on August 12-14, 2005 at 435 W. Menomonee St. Chicago. This is a three day festival featuring Japanese culture, stage shows, crafts, food and merchandise. There will be a raffle, entertainment, and lots of different musical demonstrations. For more information, contact the Midwest Buddhist Temple 312-943-7801.

Old Town School Garage Sale

The Old Town School of Folk Music presents their annual garage sale, a giant clearinghouse of old and new music equipment from their music store, the Different Strummer. The school goes through a lot of equipment over the year, and the garage sale is a good place to get a deal on new, slightly used, or heavily used guitars, banjos, drums, or any other instrument the store might rent out to the students. Today is the last day of the sale, so everything must go, usually at a steep discount. Hours today are from 10:00 to 3:00. See the Old Town School site for full details. Old Town School of Folk Music: 4544 N. Lincoln Avenue. (773) 751-3398.

49th Parallel @ LaSalle Bank Cinema

As part of the LaSalle Bank Classic Film Series 49th Parallel is showing tonight at 4901 W. Irving Park Rd., 8pm. Featuring Sir Laurence Olivier, the film is about a wrecked Nazi U-boat crew traveling through Canada to reach the U.S. Also showing tonight is a 1943 Popeye cartoon titled "Spinach fer Britain." Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and children. Call 312-904-9442 for momre information on this weekly series.

Burning Chocolate and Spunn

Missed the last full moon celebration? In a week you'll get a chance to celebrate again, but in the meantime, tonight you can get all the music, dance, drums and fire spinning of a full moon celebration inside a chocolate factory. No, it's not an R. Kelly joke. Burning Chocolate is a community gathering in an old chocolate factory at 4710 W. Augusta, 10pm until stopping time. $15 gets in you, 21+ only. This night is hosted by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. Oh yeah...you read that one right.

The Fake Fictions @ Ice Factory

Wicker Park/Ukranian Village pop band The Fake Fictions stops tonight at the Ice Factory, 526 N. Ashland. $5 gets you in to the 9:30pm show, followed by local band Crap Engine and a Super Dance Party with DJ Hunter.

Ginza Holiday Festival

The Midwest Buddhist Temple is proud to sponsor the 50th Annual Ginza Holiday celebration in Chicago from 11:30 am-9:30pm on August 12-14, 2005 at 435 W. Menomonee St. Chicago. This is a three day festival featuring Japanese culture, stage shows, crafts, food and merchandise. There will be a raffle, entertainment, and lots of different musical demonstrations. For more information, contact the Midwest Buddhist Temple 312-943-7801.

Red Rover Series: Experiment #3

Red Rover Series is holding its third event in the series of readings that experiment with reading. Participants feature both local and national writers; tonight's readers include visiting writers Emily Abendroth, Christian Nagler and Amar Rawa. The reading takes place at 7pm at SpareRoom, 2416 W. North Ave. Suggested donation is $3. Email spareroominfo[at]yahoo[dot]com for more information.

Old Town School Garage Sale

The Old Town School of Folk Music presents their annual garage sale, a giant clearinghouse of old and new music equipment from their music store, the Different Strummer. The school goes through a lot of equipment over the year, and the garage sale is a good place to get a deal on new, slightly used, or heavily used guitars, banjos, drums, or any other instrument the store might rent out to the students. Hours today are from 10:00 to 3:00. The sale runs through Sunday the 14th. See the Old Town School site for full details. Old Town School of Folk Music: 4544 N. Lincoln Avenue. (773) 751-3398.

Home Movie Day

Home Movie Day is held annually, and today is the day for the 2005 installment. With a goal of preserving cultural heritage via self-documentation, the event focuses on celebrating personal films by educating amateurs about how to make and care for them. Head down to the Chicago Cultural Center between 3 and 6pm to check in and have your film inspected and return between 6 and 10 to see local families projected on the big screen -- possibly you and yours. Further details here or by calling 773/478-3799.

Waco Bros. CD release

It's a mid-day party! In fact, the press release suggests the following: "Grab some ice cold ones, dance the afternoon away and still be out in time to make it to your usual bar/hangout before anyone misses you." The Waco Bros. are celebrating the release of their latest CD, Freedom and Weep, at Carol's Pub (4659 N. Clark), and they're playing a gig with Devil in a Woodpile to do it. The show starts at 3pm and is 21+. Tickets are $15, available online or by the Postal Service: Bloodshot Records, 3039 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago 60618.

Glamorama Oh'5

For fashion, music, comedy and the fuzzy feeling you get knowing you're supporting a good cause, there's none other than Glamorama Oh'5. This Marshall Field's sponsored event mixes fashion with rock 'n' roll for an intense showing, featuring everything from John Varvatos and Zac Posen to the sounds of the B-52's. Be sure to get a preview of the available merchandise. This year's event benefits the Children's Cancer Research Fund and the Art Institute of Chicago. Tickets range from $50-$250. 7:30pm at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St. Call 312-462-6363 for more information.

3rd I Chicago Film Screening @ Chicago Filmmakers

Tonight at 6:30pm, 3rd I presents a screening of "Muslims or Heretics?" by Naeem Mohaiemen (56 min., DV, Documentary, Bengali with English Subtitles). The film documents the Ahmadiyyas, a small Muslim sect that is at the center of a growing storm in South Asia. Militant Islamic groups accuse them of following a new prophet after Mohammed and "spoiling the spirit of Islam." 3rd I is a non-profit national organization committed to promoting diverse images of South Asians through independent film. Chicago Filmmakers is located at 5243 N. Clark, 2nd Floor (773.293.1447). Admission: $7 general, $4 CF members. Email thirdi-chicago{at}thirdi.org for more information.

Dax Pierson Benefit @ Empty Bottle

Tonight at the Empty Bottle: A Benefit for The Dax Pierson Recovery Fund featuring Tortoise and Locks. Please come down for a special benefit for the Dax Pierson Recovery Fund. Earlier this year, Subtle and Themselves keyboardist Dax Pierson suffered a severe spinal injury after a van he was touring in lost control and left the road. Pierson has spent the months since recovering at The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research in Texas, and is making great strides though he’s still confined to a wheelchair. At this point, Pierson is purportedly set to leave the Rehabilitation center and will soon be returning to the Bay Area. This benefit, one among many organized around the world, will seek to raise funds to cover the high, high costs of his care and recovery. Local supergroup Tortoise will headline, and Locks will open. (10pm; $12 advance, $15 doors) (For those of you unable to attend the benefit but are still interested in making a donation, you can do so through PayPal.)

Ginza Holiday Festival

The Midwest Buddhist Temple is proud to sponsor the 50th Annual Ginza Holiday celebration in Chicago from 11:30 am-9:30pm (starting at 5:30pm on Friday) on August 12-14, 2005 at 435 W. Menomonee St. Chicago. This is a three day festival featuring Japanese culture, stage shows, crafts, food and merchandise. There will be a raffle, entertainment, and lots of different musical demonstrations. For more information, contact the Midwest Buddhist Temple 312-943-7801.

Moonlit Canoe Trip

Tonight, the City of Chicago Park District hosts a Moonlit Canoe and Kayak Dinner Trip from 6-9pm. Launch from Clark Park and then paddle up to River Park. Enjoy a boxed dinner as the sun goes down then paddle back to Clark Park. A perfect "date night" for parents or anyone looking for a little urban adventure. For ages 12 and up-experience is encouraged. You must register in advance. Fee: $18 per person. For more information, call (312) 742-5039.

Old Town School Garage Sale

The Old Town School of Folk Music presents their annual garage sale, a giant clearinghouse of old and new music equipment from their music store, the Different Strummer. The school goes through a lot of equipment over the year, and the garage sale is a good place to get a good deal on new, slightly used, or heavily used guitars, banjos, drums, or any other instrument the store might rent out to the students. The sale starts today at 10:00 AM, and runs through Sunday the 14th. See the Old Town School site for full details. Old Town School of Folk Music: 4544 N. Lincoln Avenue. (773) 751-3398.

It Came from the Neo-futurarium IV: Sorority Girl

The Neo-Futurist theater company presents It Came From The Neo-Futurarium IV: Spawn of the Neo-Futurarium, the latest in their extremely hilarious and entertaining live readings of fondly- and not-so-fondly-remembered movies. Tonight's movie: the 1957 shocker Sorority Girl. "The Shock-by-Shock Confessions of a SORORITY GIRL! Smart... Pretty... And All Bad!" Directed by Edward Thomas-Herrera, the director of last year's wonderful Scream of the Butterfly, this shocking tale of a sorority girl determined to destroy every girl in Sigma Xi. Why? Well, if she didn't feel compelled to do so, we wouldn't have a movie, now would we? All right, then. The show starts tonight at 8:00 PM at the Neo-Futurarium; tickets are $10, $8 for seniors/students, and can be purchased at the Neo-Futurists' Website. The Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland (at Foster). (773) 275-5255.

Dee Greenberg @ Barbara's

At 7:30pm at Barbara's Bookstore UIC, 1218 S. Halsted, Dee Greenberg reads from Getting a Life, a collection stories by local authors. The authors, all women, focus on the workings of a variety of relationships. From a blind man who wants to end his marriage to a woman who is confined to a psychiatric ward, the relationships are as diverse as the writers who've penned them. Call 312-413-2665 for more information.

3-Day Novel Contest Reading @ Quimby's

The winners of 2004's 3-Day Novel Contest have just seen the fruits of their labor published and will read from the book tonight at Quimby's Books. The contest challenges writers to produce a full novel within 72 hours, with publication as the grand prize. Meghan Austin and Shannon Mullally, the winning authors, will read from Love Block at 8pm. Quimby's is located at 1854 W. North Ave. Call 773-342-0910 for more information.

Food and Film on the Rooftop

Part of Stirring Things Up in Chicago, the Food and Film on the Rooftop series features a different film every Thursday, through September 1, shown on the rooftop of the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph. The $15 admission covers the family-style picnic dinner catered by Fox & Obel. Each dinner will relate to the movie in some way. Reservations are required for the 7pm screenings; call 312-744-9350 to save your spot. Tonight's film is A Feast at Midnight.

Funny Ha-Ha 4-Ever

The popular reading series Funny Ha-Ha brings literary humor to the stage with its fourth installment tonight from 8pm to 10pm at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia. Enjoy readings by "Politically Incorrect Bedtime Stories" author James Finn Garner, RedEye syndicated humor columnist Mark Bazer, Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life's Amy Krouse Rosenthal and UR Chicago's Leonard Pierce, plus sketch comedy by WBEZ's Schadenfreude and short film by Lincoln Lodge favorite Steve Delahoyde. As always, hosted by NewCity-voted Best Blogger Claire Zulkey and "Looking for Alaska" author and NPR contributor John Green.$5 Suggested Donation at the door -- proceeds donated to Free Street).

The Fall of the Duke

The Playground Theater proudly presents the latest in their Doug's Sandbox series of Wednesday night shows, The Fall of the Duke, at 8pm tonight. The Fall of the Duke is a comedic political fable that follows the terrible tragedy of the 1988 Michael Dukakis presidential campaign. The show was written by Playground House Team MALICE and is directed by Don Hall of WNEP Theater. The Playground Theater is located at 3209 N. Halsted. Tickets are $5.

CBF's Ride to Ravinia

Chicagoland Bicycle Federation invites you to join them tonight as they Rice to Ravinia for the Rufus Wainright/Ben Folds concert. Tickets to this popular concert are selling for $175 each online, but they've got an amazing deal for you. $80 for CBF members and $85 for non-CBF members, gets you a wonderful bike ride to Ravinia complete with a professionally guided historical bicycle tour; a picnic dinner and beverages on Ravinia's lawn courtesy of Panera Bread, Wild Blossom Meadery & Winery and Goose Island Brewery; prime pavilion seats at one of Ravinia's hottest summer concerts; and a ride home with access to public transportation options. Tickets are limited and likely to sell-out quickly.

The ride departs from Daley Plaza at 4:30 but ticket holders are welcome to meet the bikers at Ravinia Festival for the picnic and show.

Outdoor Film Festival: Night of the Hunter

The 6th annual Chicago Outdoor Film Festival continues tonight at sunset with a screening of the chilling Robert Mitchum classic Night of the Hunter. The screening will be at Butler Field in Grant Park (Lake Shore Drive & Monroe), and admission is free. See the City of Chicago Website for a complete schedule of the festival, which runs every Tuesday night through August 23.

Camp Green Drinks

Camp Green Drinks happens tonight at 2023 W. Evergreen (Cost: $4). Tonight will feature a screening of the documentary "Taken for a Ride: Why Does America Have the Worst Public Transit in the Industrialized World, and the Most Freeways?". Taken for a Ride reveals the tragic and little known story of an auto and oil industry campaign, led by General Motors, to buy and dismantle streetcar lines. Across the nation, tracks were torn up, sometimes overnight, and diesel buses placed on city streets. For more information, email greendrinks{at}foresightdesign.org, (312) 670-7812.

Gapers Block Book Club Meeting

This month's meeting of the Gapers Block Book Club takes place tonight at The Book Cellar at 4736 N. Lincoln Ave., where we will be discussing Heat Wave: A Social Autopsy of Disaster in Chicago by Eric Klinenberg. The meeting begins at 7:30pm. And, join the book club email list for updates and important alerts about future meetings. See you there!

Northalsted Market Days

Spanning six blocks, between Belmont and Sheridan, Northalsted Market Days is the largest two-day street fair in the Midwest and features everything from music to food to arts and crafts. Come hear live music and shop amongst the unique items sold by vendors from around the country while smelling the grilling meats and veggies. It's a great time to be a Lakeview resident! 11am-10pm.

Chicago River Flatwater Classic Paddle and Pedal

Today, starting at 10am, enjoy the Chicago River Flatwater Classic Paddle and Pedal organized by Friends of the Chicago River. Paddle 7 1/2 miles from Clark Park to Ping Tom Memorial Park or Join the 6th annual Chicago River Flatwater Classic. Fun for the whole family, the Flatwater features competitive and non-competitive paddling classes and a bicycle adventure for those who would rather ride. Spectators welcome at the festivities at the finish line in Ping Tom Park. Racing fees range from $15 to 35. Visit Friends of the Chicago River or call (312) 939-0490, ext. 10.

mc chris @ Double Door

Hesh wants live concert sex! mc chris, best known these days for his many characters on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim shows, storms into Chicago to kick the ass of each and every one of us. Attend the concert and your life may be spared. The show's at the Double Door tonight at 10:00; tickets are $10 in advance, or $12 at the door. See the Double Door's site for details. Double Door: 1572 N. Milwaukee. (773) 489-3160.

Northalsted Market Days

Spanning six blocks, between Belmont and Sheridan, Northalsted Market Days is the largest two-day street fair in the Midwest and features everything from music to food to arts and crafts. Come hear live music and shop amongst the unique items sold by vendors from around the country while smelling the grilling meats and veggies. It's a great time to be a Lakeview resident! 11am-10pm.

Lincoln Square Garden Walk and Green Fair

If you've ever been frustrated by small gardening spaces or community gardening spaces, the Lincoln Square Garden Walk and Green Fair will provide new ideas to the common frustration. The event hopes to encourage area gardeners to create more creative spaces to add to all residents' enjoyment of the greens. Local gardeners will invite attendees into their yards, plants will be available for swapping and local business will be there to help attendees find places to shop for gardening-related supplies. A $5 donation grants entry; all proceeds go to the Greening of Ravenswood. The tour, which is self-paced, runs from 9am-6pm, starting between the Damen and Western El stops on the Brown Line. The Green Fair is in Giddings Plaza at Giddings and Lincoln Ave, 10am-4pm. Call the Lincoln Square Chamber of Commerce, at 773-728-3890, for more information.

Mint Boutique Grand Opening

Mint, a new boutique in Lincoln Park, is hosting its Grand Opening reception today from 7-10pm, 1450 Webster Ave. The boutique specializes in hand-made items from local artists, offering everything from jewelry, bags, pottery and body care products. This reception coincides with Soiree at Studio 9. Food, dancing and poetry readings will all be part of the evening, as well as a special 20% discount on all Sassy Design handbags. The event is free and open to the public. Call 773-322-2944 for more information.

World Breastfeeding Week Celebration

Rounding out a week of support for and information about breastfeeding, today's event serves as a celebration for men, women, children and families put together by the Chicago Region Breastfeeding Taskforce. From 10am-2pm, all can enjoy food, raffles, games, clowns and face painting all while learning more about the benefits of breastfeeding from local health representatives. The event will be held on Stockton Drive, near the Lincoln Park Zoo pond. Call 312-337-1073x128 for more information.

Dog Wash

The Anti-Cruelty Society is pleased to offer your dirty dirty dog some help at their Dog Wash today from 10am-2pm. All dirty dogs are encouraged to stop in for a bubbly bath at their annual Dog Wash where staff and volunteers will be on hand to provide a cool cleansing for your pup. Fees range from $10-25 and are based on weight. Some fun prizes will be awarded for the dirtiest, the smallest and the funniest looking doggies. A behaviorist will also be available to answer your questions. For more information, please call (312) 644-8338 ext. 307. Please, no aggressive dogs or dogs in heat. Dogs must be current on vaccinations.

Studio 9 Open House

Studio 9 Gallery, a multi-business arts and retail building is hosting a party to celebrate the new businesses inside Studio 9 and to invite the public to an evening of food and fun, free of charge. “Soiree at Studio 9”, is August 6th from 7pm-11pm at 1450 Webster Avenue in Chicago’s Lincoln Park Neighborhood.

You Are/I Am Opening @ Foundation Gallery

Previously at Open End Gallery, the You Are/I AM Postcards settle in at Foundation Gallery tonight. The postcards are the result of the You Are Beautiful project, which has been circulating 112 books and 5,000 postcards around the world. The returned pieces will be on display, with the gallery acting as a reading room. The exhibition is open every Sunday through the end of August. 6-10pm at 700 N. Carpenter St. BN. Call 312-860-0740 for more information.

Dollar Store @ Hideout

Here's what's happening at the Dollar Store this month: "Crazed Crime Writer (The Conviction and Subsequent Life of Savior Neck) [Christian TeBordo], PaleoNeoFuturist Dave Awl (The Partly Dave Show) and Slam Poet Heroine Lisa Buscani will join co-hosts Jonathan Messinger and Sean Gardner for some cheap, low-brow lit fun." Drop by at 7pm and don't forget your dollar to get in. The Hideout is located at 1354 W. Wabansia.

It Came from the Neo-Futurarium IV: Where Love Has Gone

The Neo-Futurist theater company presents It Came From The Neo-Futurarium IV: Spawn of the Neo-Futurarium, the latest in their extremely hilarious and entertaining live readings of fondly- and not-so-fondly-remembered movies. Tonight's movie: the trashy classic Where Love Has Gone, based on a Harold Robbins novel which was loosely based on the Lana Turner/Johnny Stompanato scandal. Directed by Neo-Futurist alumnus (and noted playwright of such well-received shows as Niagara! (You Should Have Been Yosemite) and Another Lousy Day) David Kodeski, this live recreation of the Susan Hayward-Bette Davis-DeForest Kelley film will have audience members weeping in their popcorn. I think. Anyway, it'll be fun. The show starts tonight at 8:00 PM at the Neo-Futurarium; tickets are $10, $8 for seniors/students, and can be purchased at the Neo-Futurists' Website. The Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland (at Foster). (773) 275-5255.

Black Harvest film fest @ Film Center

The Siskel Film Center presents their annual Black Harvest International Festival of Film and Video, a "showcase for the black experience on film and video." The festival begins tonight with an opening night screening of four short films. The festival runs through the entire month of August, and features many Chicago film premieres and activities; see the Film Center's site for a full schedule of events. Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

Food and Film on the Rooftop

Part of Stirring Things Up in Chicago, the Food and Film on the Rooftop series features a different film every Thursday, through September 1, shown on the rooftop of the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph. The $15 admission covers the family-style picnic dinner catered by Fox & Obel. Each dinner will relate to the movie in some way. Reservations are required for the 7pm screenings; call 312-744-9350 to save your spot. Tonight's film is Big Night.

Dandelion Wine and Sam Weller @ Book Cellar

Much like we'll do in September, The Book Cellar's book club is holding a discussion of Dandelion Wine at 7pm. Unlike us, however, Sam Weller, local author and Ray Bradbury biographer, will be there to discuss it as well. If you've finished the book early, or have read it six or seven times like I have, it might be a nice evening. The Book Cellar is located at 4736 N. Lincoln. Call 773-293-2885 for more information.

Make Love Not Art

The Reconstruction Room presents "Make Love Not Art" at Black Rock Bar, 3614 N. Damen. The evening features music and poetry and fiction readings, with an ironic twist on all. Tonight's readers are Kirk Lanzone and Erin Teegarden with music by Workshop. 8pm. Call 773-348-4044 for more information.

Outdoor Film Festival: E.T.

The 6th annual Chicago Outdoor Film Festival continues tonight at sunset with a screening of Steven Spielberg's E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial. The screening will be at Butler Field in Grant Park (Lake Shore Drive & Monroe), and admission is free. See the City of Chicago Website for a complete schedule of the festival, which runs every Tuesday night through August 23.

Midwest Independent Film Festival

The Midwest Independent Film Festival is a monthly screening of independent films. Simple concept, no? Screenings happen on the first Tuesday of every month, and this month's screening happens tonight at 7:30 PM at the Landmark Century Centre theater (2828 N. Clark). Tickets are $10, or $7 for students with ID. See the festival's site for a lineup of this month's films.

Death Cab documentary @ Schubas

See the Death Cab for Cutie tour documentary, Drive Well, Sleep Carefully, for free tonight at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport. The screening starts at 7pm; attendees must be 18 or older.

826CHI Volunteer Get-Together

If you're interested in offering your efforts to one of today's greatest literary causes, join the members of 826Chicago, including founder Dave Eggers and Director of Education Mara Fuller, to learn more about the project. The meeting is at BlackWater Cafe, 1741 N. Western, 7pm. More gatherings are planned for the future, so don't fret if you can't make it tonight!

Dorkbot @ Deadtech

GB Get-Together + Influence

For this month's Get-Together, Gapers Block is helping say goodbye to Influence, staffer Ken Meier's monthly DJ night, at Sonotheque, 1444 W. Chicago Ave. (He's off to grad school on the East Coast.) We'll be gathering around 9pm, and the music -- spun by Josh Werner, Common Factor, Karl Meier and Ken -- should make this party a bit more jumpin' than usual. Come on out, it's free. (21 and over, alas.)

Temper Temper @ Empty Bottle

An impressive Milwaukee band whose music has been heard on The O.C., Temper Temper makes a stop at the Empty Bottle to headline their "free Mondays" series. Bound Stems and Rahim will also play tonight. The show starts at 9:30pm, 1035 N. Western Ave. Call 773-276-3600 for more information.